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Independent councillor Andrew Wallis said: "This is another spectacular own goal. On the one hand we are cutting back on public services but on the other we can afford to have tea and coffee chauffeured around.

"The amount of money may have been small, but it is the principle that is completely wrong. It makes us, as an authority, look ridiculous and does nothing for the public's perception of the council."

A council spokesman said that while the old canteen was being dismantled and the new facilities being completed, supplies of tea and coffee were driven in as a temporary measure.

He said: "During January and February this was transported using a council van which was also used for other duties.

"At the beginning of March, however, the van was returned to the lease company as the work it had been involved in had ceased.

"As a result a local taxi company was used on three occasions to deliver large flasks of tea and coffee to Carrick House to provide refreshments for meetings at a cost of £3.50 per trip – a total cost of £10.50."